Prepare for the Winter Season

Winter offers its own risk management challenges, but PDRMA has a convenient and comprehensive way to meet them. You can access the recording of the Preparing for the Winter Season webinar, which occurred on Oct. 11, by clicking here. 

This hour-long summary reviews key risk management considerations for staff safety, addresses winter recreational program preparations, and highlights PDRMA resources that can help you keep visitors and staff safe during the winter season.

Review the benefits and importance of incorporating Core 6 and PIPP into staff daily tasks (stretching is particularly important in cold weather, as is wearing proper protective equipment). Winter best practices should include keeping parking lots and sidewalks clear, and entryways and foyers dry, to help protect patrons from slips and falls.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and clinics treated more than 52,000 sledding, snow tubing, and tobogganing-related injuries in 2014.

“Given the inherent risks associated with sledding (maximum speeds of up to 25 mph), sound risk management suggests an agency should periodically reevaluate its risk tolerance,” says Bill Hooker, PDRMA Training Program Supervisor.

The webinar also talks about ways to control liability, using the full range of PDRMA tools and resources from checklists to guidance on critical topics such as training, appropriate inspections and proper signage. The right sign at the right place with clear restrictions, requirements and ordinances goes a long way not only in protecting your patrons but in protecting your agency from liability.

Proactive risk management practices to consider include:

• Physical site design considerations.
• Signage.
• Supervision expectations.
• Inspection and proactive maintenance practices.

Listen to the Preparing for the Winter Season webinar before the first snowfall!